Background: Mike Rescigno started his college career with the Terps in 2014 as an infielder, seeing time at first base, third base and designated hitter. The New Jersey native hit .241 with 11 RBIs in 26 games his freshman season, but the coaching staff was impressed by his live arm, and moved him to the mound.

After making only six appearances as a sophomore in 2015, Rescigno became an integral part of the bullpen in 2016. He ranked third on the Terps with 23 appearances, notching three saves while striking out 23 in 19.1 innings of work. The San Francisco Giants drafted him in the 25th round, but the 6’1 right-hander decided to return for his senior season.

Last summer, Rescigno dazzled for the Baltimore Redbirds of the Cal Ripken League, allowing just two earned runs in 15.1 innings (1.14 ERA) while striking out 19. His performance impressed scouts, as he was named the top prospect in the Cal Ripken League by Baseball America and Perfect Game. Prior to the 2017 season, Perfect Game ranked Rescigno as the No. 1 senior draft prospect in college baseball. This year, Rescigno made 14 appearances (13 in relief), pitching to a 5.40 ERA with 18 strikeouts in 16.1 innings of work. He began the year as one of Maryland’s most-used relievers, but missed time in the second half of the season due to injury.

Outlook: After a dazzling summer, expectations were high for Rescigno entering his senior season. However, he failed to take the leap to the next level, as he remained an important part of the Terps’ bullpen, but not the lockdown reliever that some had expected. The right-hander did improve in some regards, as he lowered his BB/9 and his H/9, and his overall ERA (5.40) was much higher than his mark as a reliever (3.55) thanks to one rough start he had against UNC-Wilmington.

Rescigno throws a low- to mid-90s fastball and a power curveball – a combination that, when he is on, produces a lot of swing and misses. With little movement on his fastball, however, he relies on his control to be effective. He can be hit hard (.284 opponents’ average this season) when he leaves it over the heart of the plate, and is prone to bouts of wildness.

His inconsistent control limits his ceiling as of now, but should he get a handle on it, he has the skillset to be an effective late-inning reliever. He wasn’t rated the top senior prospect in baseball for nothing, and even with his shaky spring, his dominance last summer and his intriguing fastball-curve combo could be enough to raise him above last year’s draft slot and into the middle rounds.